Enneagram Nine - Are You Stuck in "Bed Rot"?

Bed rotting is an unflattering Tik-Tok term used to describe doing nothing in bed all day, or for several days. Despite the harsh name, it may actually have some benefits. Fans of bed rotting describe it as a form of self care and mental rest where it's okay to admit you're exhausted and just give yourself a break.

But when bed rotting turns into a habit and starts affecting your daily life, it can be harmful both mentally and physically.

For Enneagram Type Nines, the concept of bed rotting may seem all-too familiar. You are calm and peace-loving by nature, but this mellow vibe may feel like you are sleepwalking at times. You go along with others so much that you start to feel like your own life is not in your control. Add stressors such as a chaotic schedule or pending conflict, and you may literally and figuratively retreat to your safe haven — your bed.

How do you cope with this tendency to retreat? Your best strategy depends on a variety of influences, including your dominant wing type.

Strategies for Type 9w1

For Type Nines, a One wing lends structure, organization and a desire to improve things to your overall Nine-ness. Staying under the covers too long can invite feelings of shame. Instead, you can lean into this wing to transform bed rotting into a more productive break, where you use your idle time to engage in activities that provide a sense of accomplishment and lift your mood.

Here are some strategies  to consider:

1. Rearrange your desk for optimal use and jump-start your next project. File what you need to keep and toss the rest — you work best in  an orderly, uncluttered environment.
2. Set a timer. Instead of feeling aimless and guilty about lazing around, set a timer for a specific amount of time. Once the alarm goes off, get up and do something productive like completing a household chore or working on a project.
3. Break the work into manageable steps and tackle the first to gain momentum. Identify the steps to completion and combine related tasks for greater efficiency. After crossing off the first step, draw on this surge of accomplishment to keep going.
4. Plan something. Whether it's a work project or a family vacation, making plans for the future can help motivate you to get out of bed and make progress towards your goals.
5. Get physical. 9w1 is a body type and you will  benefit emotionally and physically by moving your body. For example, grab a friend and hike the trail in the nearby park. Both the conversation and the physical activity may draw you back to life.
6. Give your opinion on a subject you care about. You have a habit of yielding to others’ viewpoints rather than sharing your own, and this exercise can help you untangle their perspective from yours. Think about what you want to say, then share it. Remind yourself you have valuable input, and your voice is necessary.
7. Move slowly if you have to. Recognize that it is okay to up the ante a little at a time. If you have been bed rotting for weeks, do not go straight to the gym and bust out an intense workout or commit to winning that big new client. It may be enough for now to play board games with the family — notice how the interaction fills up your tank.

Strategies for Type 9w8

An eight wing brings strength, empowerment and protective energy to your primary Nine type. You may find it easier than 9w1s to challenge yourself out of bed rot, engaging the action-orientation of your eight wing to brainstorm solutions.

Try these strategies to bust the bed rot:

1. Take a mental inventory of how you spend your time. Be brutally honest about what has been fruitful and what has been an empty time grab.
2. Place boundaries around your false busy-ness. Tell yourself the truth about what you need and want to get done. Now consider — how can you take a plausible next step?
3. Make a prioritized list of action items and rank them by importance and timeliness. Don’t stress about getting them all done; move toward the one(s) necessary for today.
4. Physical activity will get you back into your body. As a body type, this will feel like coming home to yourself. Your eight wing lends a competitive spirit that will help you stay motivated, but you are still a Nine. Consider that a competitive team sport (pickleball, volleyball) may not be as appealing to you as a fitness program where you can challenge yourself (running, weights, spin class). Rely on your significant other to serve as a motivating partner in keeping your enthusiasm up.
5. Set a timeline for decision-making. What decision have you not made? Name the barriers keeping you from landing on a choice, remembering that not deciding becomes a decision and it may be costing you.
6. Decide to decide. Draw energy from the decisiveness of your eight wing to choose your top two options and consider: What are the worst-case scenarios for each option? Are these likely to happen? What result can you live with — or not?
7. Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you. Your eight wing brings a more active, focused and direct approach to your Nine nature. Take advantage of this added energy by spending time with “can do” friends and colleagues who motivate and challenge you to be your best self.

Wrapping up

When stuck in low energy, Nines can sink into the belief that they are less important than those around them. This becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, as their lack of action and withdrawal from the world only solidifies the perception that their presence and contributions are negligible. Yet, the world needs your soothing wisdom and collaborative nature.

For Nines of either wing, it's important to balance your time between productive activities and rest, recognizing both as necessary. Since you’ve had downtime, shift into motion. These strategies can help you do that authentically and embrace your ability to rise, engage and impact.